How do I know when I need a wheel alignment?

David Orr
Sep 15
2 min read

When your wheels are properly aligned, they all point in the same direction, allowing your vehicle to handle safely and your tires to wear evenly. When alignment is off, you’ll often notice:

Your vehicle pulls to one side while driving.
The steering wheel is off-center even when driving straight.
Uneven or rapid tire wear, often showing up on the inside or outside edges of the tread.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proper tire maintenance—including wheel alignment—directly affects vehicle safety and performance. Even slight misalignment can increase tire wear, reduce fuel economy, and compromise steering control.

Why Wheel Alignment is So Important

Wheel alignment isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and saving money.

Tire Life: A misaligned vehicle can wear out a set of tires thousands of miles earlier than expected. With tires being one of the biggest ongoing vehicle expenses, alignment helps protect your investment.
Fuel Efficiency: When wheels aren’t aligned, they create extra rolling resistance. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that properly maintained tires—including correct alignment—can improve fuel economy by up to 3%.
Safety: Poor alignment reduces braking performance and handling, especially in emergency situations.

Why Some Shops Don’t Do Alignments Properly

Unfortunately, not all alignments are created equal. Some shops use outdated equipment or skip critical steps like inspecting suspension and steering components before making adjustments. Others may “set the toe” (the most common adjustment) but fail to check camber or caster angles, leaving the vehicle still out of spec.

This leads to frustrated customers who think they had an alignment, only to notice uneven tire wear or handling problems continue.

Why Choose Dave’s Complete Auto Service?

At Dave’s, we take alignments seriously. Our shop is equipped with a state-of-the-art Hunter alignment machine, one of the most advanced systems in the industry. Hunter’s precision technology allows our technicians to measure and adjust all alignment angles—caster, camber, and toe—back to exact manufacturer specifications.

Before aligning your vehicle, we also perform a complete inspection of your steering and suspension to make sure worn or damaged parts don’t interfere with the results. That way, you get a true alignment, not a quick patch job.

When Should You Get an Alignment?

Every 1–2 years as part of regular maintenance.
Immediately after hitting a curb, pothole, or accident.
When replacing suspension or steering parts.
Anytime you notice pulling, drifting, or uneven tire wear.

Bottom Line

Delaying a wheel alignment can quickly become expensive in tires, fuel, and safety. If your vehicle pulls, your steering wheel feels off, or you notice uneven tire wear, it’s time for an alignment check.

Give us a call today to schedule your professional alignment service:

Dave's Complete Auto Service

103 S. 12th St. Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501

712.256.9688